The University of Arizona
 

Small Artifact Collections

Hohokam acid-etched and painted shells

ACID-ETCHED SHELL

Culture: Hohokam
Dates: Rincon-Sacaton phases, ca. 850-1200
Location: Huntington Site, Tucson Basin, AZ [upper],
and Snaketown, Gila River, AZ [lower]
Material: shell (Laevicardium elatum), red and green pigments

Shells were covered with an acid-resistant material, probably pitch or sap, in which a design was scratched. The shell was then soaked in an acidic liquid, probably fermented fruit juice, until the design was lightly etched in the shell. Some etched shells were then painted with mineral pigments made from hematite (red) and copper carbonates or copper silicates (green).